The Big 'I'

Thursday, 15th August 2024 at 11:05am

IMPROVISATION WORKSHOPS:

A selected group of Green Bay High School music students took part in Te Aratika's 'The Big I' workshop yesterday (15 August 2024), working alongside students from Oaklynn School to make music come alive with creative exercises.

Ava Clarke (Yr 9), Dustin Giles (Yr 10), TJ King (Yr 10), Stella May (Yr 9), Kayzel Wijdeveld (Yr 9) and Theo Witten-Hannah (Yr 10) were fantastic ambassadors for the school and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

The Big I

“I” stands for improvisation and incorporates a musical outreach workshop run by Chamber Music New Zealand. These one-day workshops are specifically designed for students living with disabilities to discover their own sounds, and have hands on experience making music with a wide range of instruments.

Green Bay High School is the home base for (Te Aratika) classes of students from Oaklynn School who have specialised learning needs. Te Aratika classes are located in 'L-Block', with fully accessible purpose-built facilities. The “satellite class” system enables students to have access to regular school life while being taught and supported by specialised teachers and therapists. Students are based in Te Aratika and access integration opportunities and school facilities whenever possible. Te Aratika has an open-door philosophy towards students and staff from Green Bay High School. Diversity is a very real part of New Zealand society and the Green Bay High School / Oaklynn partnership creates opportunities for both parties to develop learning and understanding of each other.